Angeline Boulley, author of “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” shared lessons on storytelling, perseverance and representation during a visit to Buena Vista University.
Boulley’s debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” received widespread recognition, earning the Michael L. Printz Award and the William C. Morris Award, making her one of the few authors to win both honors for the same work.
Boulley delivered a public lecture April 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Anderson Auditorium, where she discussed her journey to becoming a published author, the inspiration behind her debut novel, and the role of her culture in her writing.
“Fear regret more than you fear failure,” Boulley said.
Boulley encouraged aspiring writers to trust their ideas, noting she was in her 40s when she began pursuing the story she had been thinking about since she was 18.
“If that story idea won’t let go of you, you just have to honor it and follow it and keep trying,” she said.
During her talk, Boulley also reflected on the purpose writing gives her and the impact stories can have on readers.
“I can take all of my experiences, all of my thoughts, all of the way I see the world, and I can distill it into these paragraphs that become chapters, that become a story,” she said. “I feel really accomplished. I feel purpose… I get to tell these stories. ”
She said storytelling can help audiences better understand complex issues and experiences involving Native Americans.
“That’s the power of story,” Boulley said. “I just really like what stories can do to create change.”
Dr. Emma Reeve-Lobaugh, assistant professor of education at BVU, said Boulley’s visit reflects the importance of representation in literature.
“Representation matters,” Reeve-Lobaugh said. “It’s important that we talk about how different identities and cultures are represented — or not — in young adult literature, because that’s when many readers are forming their understanding of the world.”
Reeve-Lobaugh said Boulley’s work gives voice to experiences that have often been underrepresented.
“She has characters who are saying, ‘There’s something that’s hurting my people and my family, and I want to figure out how I can be a voice for change,’” she said.
Melody Flenker, a sophomore at BVU, said she found Boulley’s presentation enjoyable.
“She was a really good public speaker,” Flenker said. “She’s very easy to listen to and very informative and engaging.”
Flenker said she initially attended the event for extra credit, but was glad she did.
The lecture was followed by a reception where attendees could purchase Boulley’s novels, “Firekeeper’s Daughter” and its sequel, “Warrior Girl Unearthed,” and have them signed by Boulley.
